Finding Ultra

By Rich Roll

Description

Finding Ultra is Rich Roll’s incredible-but-true account of achieving one of the most awe-inspiring midlife physical transformations ever.

One cool evening in October 2006, the night before he was to turn forty, Rich experienced a chilling glimpse of his future. Nearly fifty pounds overweight at the time and unable to climb the stairs without stopping, he could see where his current sedentary lifestyle was taking him.

Most of us, when granted such a moment of clarity, look the other way—but not Rich.

Plunging into a new way of eating that made processed foods off-limits and that prioritized plant nutrition, and vowing to train daily, Rich morphed—in a matter of mere months—from out-of-shape midlifer to endurance machine. When one morning ninety days into his physical overhaul, Rich left the house to embark on a light jog and found himself running a near marathon, he knew he had to scale up his goals.

How many of us take up a sport at age forty and compete for the title of the world’s best within two years? Finding Ultra recounts Rich’s remarkable journey to the starting line of the elite Ultraman competition, which pits the world’s fittest humans against each other in a 320-mile ordeal of swimming, biking, and running. And following that test, Rich conquered an even greater one: the Epic5—five Ironman-distance triathlons, each on a different Hawaiian island, all completed in less than a week.

But Finding Ultra is much more than an edge-of-the-seat look at a series of jaw-dropping athletic feats—and much more than a practical training manual for those who would attempt a similar transformation. Yes, Rich’s account rivets—and, yes, it instructs, providing information that will be invaluable to anyone who wants to change their physique. But this book is most notable as a powerful testament to human resiliency, for as we learn early on, Rich’s childhood posed numerous physical and social challenges, and his early adulthood featured a fierce battle with alcoholism.

Ultimately, Finding Ultra is a beautifully written portrait of what willpower can accomplish. It challenges all of us to rethink what we’re capable of and urges us, implicitly and explicitly, to “go for it.”

Reviews

Powerful Just in Time message

5

By Drsaver

I loved this story. I can relate to Rich on so many levels! As a fellow 1966 baby, I am blown away by how you was able to crush his middle agedom! Will I ever go to the lengths he did physically—no— but that’s not my jam. His story created a space in me to push my commitments fort zone! I’m so grateful for the opportunity to see this window of his life
Highly recommend!!

Roll Dog

5

By Kvnftune

A truly inspiring journey of a once broken spirit, able to conquer his demons and take charge of his life. A great read to ignite the healthy spark in your life.

A must read!

5

By Faithh1

Rich Roll is a truly inspiring man. Loved this book about his journey. He has inspired me to listen to my convictions and contemplate the vegan lifestyle. His story has motivated me to get up, lose my excess pounds, and truly push myself to achieve great things. Ultra marathons are likely not in my future, but Rich has inspired me to achieve my own goals. Thank you for being you, Rich; the very best You!

Brilliant

5

By Sara Orella

I am very moved by Rich Roll's story and choices to become the best he can be for others. He advertises products to help and guide others for a better mind, body and spirit. I see his "advertisements" as a blessing because it saves me "time" that he probably spent researching and experimenting on the benefits of a plant based diet. This book is about the struggles and choices of one man to rediscover his true God given potential, learn to forgive the past and not let his past anchor his future, relearn the meaning of love and self love and finally, to bravely step to HOPE.

Inspiring

5

By Nessa3605

This is the most inspiring book I've ever been privileged to read. Anything is possible.

Inspiring Triumph of the Mind and Body

4

By nunu310

"Finding Ultra" is a great easy read that will make you want to stop from taking that third helping of fried chicken and gravy mashed potatoes and get out there and find your active spirit. This book is for anyone who has competed at any level of sports and may feel he/she has lost that fighting edge. There is still hope for us parents who have gotten a little round in the belly, but want to renourish that desire to be active, push our physical and mental selves, and find our own Ultra.

He definitely found Ultra!

5

By Michael J. Castanaro

Rich's story is awe-inspiring to say the least. Such a great read and I actually made a decision to go plant-based after further external research. The people that say "it's an advertisement or infomercial" are silly. Rich promotes the products he uses.... He's an ultra athlete and he has to have a lot of gear and what not. Vitamix? Yeah it's a great blender so he lets you know he uses it. Listen to the joe rogan podcast? Lots of advertising... Bet you still listen to that. Ignore the nay sayers, this book is excellent.

Inspiration

5

By Max800000

Rich you gave me a lot of inspiration with your book!keep being this example for all of us! I hope to meet you some day, why not during an ultraman.
Take care

Cannot Recommend.

2

By Signetmac

What should have been an amazing, inspirational story of personal transformation is so sadly cheapened by jarring commercial plugs for the author's line of health products that the book was ruined for me. How disappointing to see someone work so hard to turn his life around, only to devote it to carney-like shilling of expensive, new age, miracle tonics. Save your money, and buy a book from an author who isn't so desperate to profit off of his 15-minutes of fame that he drags you down with his credibility.

a book that will get you up off that couch

5

By A. Gowell

For those of us who may remember being in decent shape once upon a time, but who have lost our way as we stumbled into middle age, this is a highly accessible, practical story about how one man got up off of his couch, faced his internal demons, and turned his life around. And while I may never personally run an ultra-marathon, what this book does do is help spark genuine self-reflection, and it may even inspire you to do something about it. As a 44 year-old guy myself, who once saw himself as a quasi-athlete a long time ago, this book made me stop and think, to do an honest assessment of where my life is trending, and to really think about where I'd like it to go/end. And then it inspired me to get off of the couch. I bough the book 2 months ago, and yesterday I ran 10 miles for the first time in at least 5 or 6 years. And while I may not find "ultra", I have decided that I'm am not going to go out with a whimper. And I send my thanks to Rich for writing a book that is accessible, inspiring, and somewhat practical in terms of how to take action. Write another one, Rich. I'll be the first to buy it.